Do I Need Building Warrant or Building Control for a Conservatory

Guidance specific to Scotland only.

You may NOT require a building warrant if your conservatory meets the following criteria.

Is attached to an existing building.

Does NOT have a footprint larger than 8 square metres. (e.g. 2 metres by 4 metres)

Is more than 1 metre away from your boundary.

Does NOT contain sanitary facilities.

Does NOT contain fixed solid fuel, oil or gas appliances.

Although a building warrant may not be required the specification of your conservatory should still meet the standards required by building control. Your local architectural service provider can provide a full specification. If you are using a conservatory manufacturer and installer they can often take care of the building warrant for you. Find an Architect, Architectural Technician, or Planner to help with your project on Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help Pages.

The building regulations is a complex document with over 600 pages Do I Need Permission recommends you always consult with a specialist to confirm exactly what building regulations apply to your project and how to achieve these.

To find out what building regulations will apply to your conservatory you can download a copy of the building regulations here.

How much does a building warrant cost?

The cost for a building warrant varies depending on the work required for your conservatory. The cost of a building warrant is based on the cost of the works to be carried out. The minimum fee payable for a building warrant is £150 this is based on a cost of work at £5000. The fee increases £19 for each additional £500 worth of works up to a value of £100,000. Visit Do I Need Permissions Building Warrant Fee page for full costs.

The fee for architectural drawings varies, you should consult with your local architectural service provider. Find an Architect, Architectural Technician, or Planner to help with your project on Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help Pages.

How long does building warrant approval take?

Building warrants are normally decided within 4-6 weeks. This depends greatly on the quality of drawings that are submitted and can take longer for more complex projects. Always use a professional.

How long does building warrant approval last?

Building warrants are valid for 3 years.

Extensions may be granted where the works have been started however be aware if your time period has lapsed and works are not completed you may be asked for improvements to your original building warrant approval.

Guidance specific to England only.

Do I need building control for a conservatory?

Conservatories are normally exempt from building regulations if the following criteria is met,

Built at ground level and less than 30 square metres in floor area.

Separated from the house by external walls, doors or windows.

Is fitted with an independent heating system with separate temperature and on/off controls.

All work is carried out to comply with the building regulations.

You are advised not to construct conservatories where they restrict ladder access to windows serving rooms in roof or loft conversions, in particular if any of these windows are intended for escape or rescue.

Any new structural opening between the conservatory and the existing house will require building regulations approval, even if the conservatory is exempt from approval.

It is an offence to carry out works without the correct permits or notices in places. In extreme cases you may be asked to removed or the local authority may remove any alteration that does not comply with building regulations.

To find an Approved Inspector, Architect or Architectural Technician visit Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help pages.

How Do I get building control approval?

There are two methods of getting building control approval.

Local authority building control service. (provided by your local authority)

Approved inspector for building control. (a private company that is approved to certify works)

To find an Approved Inspector, Architect or Architectural Technician visit Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help pages.

How building control approval works

The approval process depends on whether you choose the Building Control services (local Authority) or an Approved Inspector.

To find out more visit Do I Need Permission building control approval types page.

What building regulations apply to a conservatory?

The building regulations is a complex document Do I Need Permission recommends you always consult with a specialist to confirm exactly what building regulations apply to your project and how to achieve these.

To find out what building regulations will apply to your extension you can download a copy of the building regulations here.

How much will a conservatory cost?

Further information on Conservatories

Disclaimer

Do I Need Permission provides free planning permission, building regulation & cost advice for home improvement projects. The planning permission & building regulation advice is written to suit Scottish & English planning & building regulations. This website is intended as an introductory guide. Although great care has been taken in the preparation of this website Do I Need Permission is not responsible for any errors contained within it. View our full terms & conditions.

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